Gardening for exercise

Doing my garden today was quite tiring and just doing some pruning made my hands ache. Gardening is a brilliant way to exercise, whilst enjoying being outside.  The good thing is you can enjoy the fruits of your labours as well.  

 

Gardening goodness - how to exercise while gardening

A new study suggests gardening gives you a zest for life and can even make you feel younger. Here are some tips for toning your physique while also tending to the plants.

For gardening and yard work to actually provide a beneficial workout, you must garden for at least 30 minutes a day.

To reap the maximum benefits use as little machinery as possible. It might take a little bit longer, but using manual clippers, trimmers and a push lawnmower could save a trip to the gym.

Work a steady constant speed to keep heart rate up at a set level.

Change positions every ten minutes so move from pruning to weeding or try and alternate which hands you use.

Work such as raking and carrying leaves can tone the upper arms and increase flexibilty and strength. You can expend as much effort raking the lawn as you would during a leisurely bicycle ride.
Gardening is excellent for improving strength, endurance and flexibility and it can be of great help in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions.

• Trimming trees and shrubs is roughly the equivalent of walking at a moderate pace.
• Heavier work like clearing brush and stacking wood can give you the equivalent workout as a light aerobics class. Some 45 minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.
• Shovelling snow or turning compost as a great alternative to lifting weights, and raking the lawn has the same toning impact as using a rowing machine.
• Women in general can burn up to 300 calories with an hour of moderately strenuous gardening activities like cultivating or using a spade.

And finally sit back and enjoy the literal fruits of your labour. Studies have shown that simply being in the presence of trees and plants reduces stress.

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